Swimming coach in more hot water

Australian swimming coach Gennadi Touretski has been banned from air travel and faces dismissal by the Australian Sports Commission following another incident on an international flight.

Mr Touretski was met by Australian Federal Police officers when his Qantas flight from Singapore arrived in Sydney on Friday. No charges have been laid but police say their inquiry will take five or six weeks.

Mr Touretski was returning from Malta, where he was in charge of an Australian Institute of Sport team at an event before July's Commonwealth Games.

Qantas sources said he began annoying female passengers and was asked to sit down. After settling briefly, he apparently repeated his behaviour and was taken to the rear of the plane where he was given three rows to himself. ");document.write("

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When a flight attendant offered him a cup of coffee, he allegedly threw it in her face. He was then restrained and handcuffed with plastic ties.

Mr Touretski was not served alcohol on the flight, but Qantas staff said they found an empty bottle of duty-free whisky in his bag.

The AIS, frustrated by previous in-flight incidents, has suspended the former Russian coach from flying and is considering further action. Mr Touretski has a "last chance" clause in his contract and the ASC may deem his behaviour a final breach.

ASC chief executive Mark Peters confirmed yesterday that allegations had been made. "As a result of this and other recent incidents, consideration will be given by officers of the ASC and the AIS of the conditions of the coach's contractual relationship with the AIS," he said.

Yesterday Mr Touretski was at his Canberra home, where his wife said he had nothing to say.